How India's Retail Sector Will Navigate a 20% Festive Demand Surge

India’s festive seasons, marked by celebrations like Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, see a dramatic increase in consumer activity.

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This surge in demand, coupled with a high festive sales pitch that sets the tempo for temporary hiring, is expected to drive a 15-20% year-on-year increase in demand, fuelled by consumer spending, resurgence in the rural economy amid prospects of a good harvest and a buoyant market. As a result, same-day and next-day deliveries are set to boom this festive season, presenting unique challenges for last-mile delivery—a critical component of e-commerce logistics. With the expansion of online shopping, technology is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of last-mile delivery operations, especially during these peak periods.

Application Programming Interface (API) integration has revolutionized how logistics companies manage their operations. APIs enable seamless data exchange between different systems, facilitating automated processes from pre-pickup to post-delivery. During high-demand periods, such as festivals, API integration helps maintain smooth operations and reduces the risk of errors or delays.

In India, where traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations are common, advanced route optimization software is crucial. This technology analyzes real-time traffic data, geographic constraints, and other variables to determine the most efficient delivery routes. During festive seasons, when traffic congestion is often at its peak, route optimization becomes more critical in meeting delivery deadlines.